Benheck’s new single handed “Access” controller revealed

Resigned to the fact that people know me as Benheck I put it in this article’s title, to save other web sites a little time rewriting their links. How considerate of me.

Black is the new white!
For a larger version with no captions click here.

Anyway, today I’m going to show you all the prototype for the new single handed controller I have designed and built, which I’ve been calling the “Access Controller”. This is actually the second prototype, a more refined version of the first. Alongside the new Elite-based Xbox 360 laptop (yes, it is coming) this has consumed most of time in recent months, hopefully explaining the drought of new projects.

Here’s the basic principle: You lay this controller on your leg, table or arm of a chair and all the buttons are available on the top surface. The gag is that each of the five sections is removable and you can plug them anywhere you want. This not only makes the controller work for both left and right handed use (simply mirror the layout) but it also allows the user to optimize the button placement on a game-by-game basis. Even if the user has partial use of both hands it should still be easier to work with than a standard controller.

Side view of the controller
In this configuration example the thumb controls the left analog (player movement) where the forefinger is on the right analog. The middle or ring finger can press the analog shoulder buttons.

More details and photos follow below. This unit is currently in pre-production for manufacturing thanks to the folks at eDimensional.com and will first appear as a wireless model for the PS2/PS3, with an Xbox 360 version pending. If you’re interested in obtaining one of these or simply wish to express interest please email them directly at access@eDimensional.com. All other normal inquiries (photo permissions, interview requests, offers to send me free beer) can go to my usual address using the link over on the right.

Continue reading Benheck’s new single handed “Access” controller revealed

Video review of our headset

Had this forwarded to me yesterday – a video review of the Audio FX Pro 5+1 Headset.

I believe we’re going to be in CompUSA stores soon, so if you’ve been thinking about getting one, or lining up your holiday presents list, why not give it a whirl? You can visit edimensional.com for more details, and we’ll keep you up to date on future announcements, reviews and appearences.

Some of you have pondered on my forums what projects I might be working on. It shouldn’t be any secret that a 3rd Xbox 360 laptop is coming – quite soon actually, I fired it up last night – and is Halo 3 inspired in theme.  We’re also working on a production model of the single-handed controller, which I will talk more about soon. It’s quite different from the earlier models and has been one of my larger projects this year.

So stay tuned, we’re still all about more than just podcasts!

Suggest mysteries to discuss on our next podcast

As mentioned a few times in the past our next topic is going to have nothing to do with technology or gaming. Instead we’re going to discuss “Mysteries of the Unexplained” – a podcast devoted to urban legends, ghosts, Nasca lines, Biblical Aliens, Jersey Devils and things of that nature. We’ll throw in Ressurection Mary, Area 51 and Bigfoot while we’re at it. Just in time for Halloween, no less!


Film photo taken by myself in 2003 to use up the last shot on a roll. WTF is that blue thing in the corner? Appears on negative too. Photo buffs please chime in!

What I’d like from our fans and listeners are some suggestions of other mysterious items in history to discuss. Talk about them below and we’ll pick some to bring back on the podcast. Whenever possible, try for some fringe-yet-somewhat-known mysteries, like “Was the Ark of the Covenent a Killer Static Capacitor Built by Moses?” rather than typical stuff like the Loch Ness Monster or Atlantis. Should be a fun time, I’m looking forward to it…

Benheck.com video podcast episode 30

It’s been a while so we’ve cranked out another video podcast but as promised (threatened?) here’s another one. It covers mostly our topics at Geek.kon but I’ve thrown in some other stuff, as well as a commercial, to spice things up a bit. We didn’t have time to do as much as we liked, but hopefully it’s not too boring.

Jones wants you to Get In There

Topics include Alien VS Aliens, which is better, our Halo 3 tales and finally Independent Filmmaking aka “Horror Stories from Port Washington”. Some fan requests have been considered for the making of this episode, so you’ve been warned.

Watch Benheck.com Podcast Episode 30 (mp4 iPod-style version)

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 30 (Mp3 Audio-only version)

www.benheckpodcast.com

See us at Geek.kon!

Been a bit busy finishing the fight, almost forgot to post that Jason Jones (podcast co-host) and I will be speaking at Geek Kon in Madison, WI this Sunday the 7th of October. I am doing a panel first, RE my gaming stuff, then Jones and I will be doing a “live” video podcast discussion where topics will include our indy filmmaking horror stories and an argument over which of the first 2 “Alien” movies is better.

We’ll probably also be around a little before, between and after our shows if you’d like to shoot the breeze or have us sign crap. For more info visit their site at geekkon.net.